Home improvements can increase the value of your home and make it a more pleasant place to be. While many home improvement projects are messy and expensive, cosmetic improvements can be inexpensive, and many are easy enough for a do-it-yourselfer to do in a single weekend.

Landscaping

One of the quickest ways to brighten your yard is with flowers and shrubs. Annuals last for a single season, and are available at home improvement stores, department stores, and garden stores. Perennials will come back year after year. You can grow flowers from seed or bulbs, or transplant seedlings. Many seedlings will spread over the course of the season. Adding a layer of mulch will reduce the need for weeding. Improve security by adding solar-powered lighting. A birdbath or bird feeder invites feathered friends to your yard, and features such as garden statues, small fountains or water features, or fairy houses can add a finishin touch.

Freshen Entry

A fresh coat of paint on door and trim will create an attractive first impression. Add color with hanging baskets of flowers or greenery, planters, and a new "welcome" mat.

Fencing can add privacy and security, and is an investment that will pay for itself in increased value. You can choose from many styles, including maintenance free sturdy plastic fencing in both picket and privacy styles. Be sure to check local building codes for height and setback requirements.

Bathroom Makeover

You can repaint a small bathroom with less than a gallon of paint. Freshen the décor with a new shower curtain, area rug, and towels. Other decorative touches include soap dishes, paper cup dispenser, liquid soap dispenser and decorative soaps. Potpourri and scented candles can provide a pleasant scent. If storage is a problem, hang a shoebag on the back of a closet door to keep supplies organized and accessible.

Kitchen Makeover

You can immediately add a more spacious feel to your kitchen by stowing seldom-used small appliances behind closed doors. Let in more daylight with light café curtains or swag valances. New towels, dishcloths and potholders are remarkably inexpensive and add a fresh touch. Even something as simple as replacing burnt out lightbulbs can make the space appear larger by increasing light.

Garage Makeover

Increase floor space by hanging some items on walls. Bicycles can be hung on big hooks. Pegvoard can support either hooks or small bins. Designate other (less accessible) storage areas for things you seldom use, and reserve the garage storage for most-used items such as sporting goods or camping equipment. Consider storage systems that use the wasted space above the garage door tracks.

These simple, inexpensive projects can make your home seem more spacious, feel more livable, and may even increase your home's value far above the cost of the project.

Did You Know... Most AC adapters and battery chargers continue to use electricity even when not plugged into the device they power up? Yes, they can draw as much as 40% of their normal use electric draw!